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I will miss `my hometown` Delhi for sure: McGrath

The lanky Australian pacer spoke to Zeecric.com`s Biswajit Jha on the sidelines of an event in Delhi.

Australian pacer Glenn McGrath at the bowling end in his heydays meant batsmen had hardly a chance to free their arms, be it in ODIs or in Tests. A legendary bowler, who was famous for applying brain over brawn, McGrath earned most of his international wickets through impeccable line and length, which is quintessential in T20 cricket. His strength was for all to see when he played in the inaugural edition of IPL for Delhi Daredevils, where he proved to be one of the most economical bowlers.But his life has changed a lot since. He lost his beloved wife Jane immediately after IPL. Initially apprehensive about coming back for the tournament, McGrath finally decided to fulfil his commitments to the Delhi team.
Zeecric.com’s Biswajit Jha had a chat with the lanky Australian pacer on the sidelines of a promotional event in Delhi. Excerpts: Will you miss Delhi this time since the you were treated here like a son of the soil last year? Last time I really enjoyed playing in Delhi. I got a huge support from the local crowd, which was fascinating for me. In that sense I will miss Delhi. You have retired from international cricket almost two years back. Are you fit enough to play in the second season of IPL? It’s true that I had quit international cricket a couple of years ago. But in the last one month I have been working really hard in the gym. I am okay with my fitness now and I will have no problem in adjusting to the demands of IPL. What will be the difference in South Africa? It will be a good contest between the bat and the ball in South Africa. The wicket will be good for the pacers too. Why did you have apprehensions in playing for IPL this time? It was a big decision to come back here. I have had some personal problems since I lost my wife Jane. I have two little children to look after. That’s why I had initially decided not to take part in IPL this time. But then I chose to fulfil my commitment to Daredevils at least for this season. My mother is taking care of my children. How difficult was it to handle the death of your wife Jane, who died of cancer? It was really tough time for me and my family. But the support I got from everybody is awesome. I was moved to find the support for Jane McGrath Foundation during the Sydney Test. I am thankful to everybody, who helped me come out of that terrible phase of my life. What’s your opinion about the Delhi Daredevils team this time? We have a balanced team this time around. The induction of David Warner will add more firepower to batting. Will you miss your opening bowling partner of last season, Mohd Asif? The team has enough resources to replace anybody. How do you rate Virender Sehwag as a captain? Sehwag has a very astute cricketing sense. I really enjoyed playing under him last season. What’s your opinion about Sehwag as a batsman? He is a terrific batsman. I enjoyed bowling against him. What are the attributes of a good captain? A good captain is one who uses the experience of the senior players…one who listens to everybody, even to the junior members of the team.